Vitamin C is positive in the DNA synthesis inhibition and sister-chromatid exchange tests.

Ascorbate caused a dose-dependent increase in sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and in human lymphocytes. Moreover, in the DNA synthesis inhibition test with HeLa cells, ascorbate gave results typical of DNA-damaging chemicals. Catalase reduced SCE induction by ascorbate, prevented its cytotoxicity in CHO cells, and prevented its effect on HeLa DNA synthesis. Ascorbate reduced induction of SCE in CHO cells by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) by direct inactivation of MNNG.